Original subtitles

Fleas, carnivorous ants

ticks, mosquitos...

I haven't closed my eyes all night.

But not because of the insects or the tropical heat.

Rather because of the doubts whether I'm going the right way

that ultimately keeps me awake.

The locations on the map are outdated and inaccurate.

The jungle is becoming more and more opaque

and our march more and more annoying.

So that the machete men can expose the jungle one meter after the other.

The sound of the machetes

echoes and whips through the entire jungle and has no end.

The endless silence breaks with every blow of the machetes.

Bolivia, a sea of green that is like misery.

Last night, RUIZ started crying out of the blue.

His wounds barely let him take a step ahead of the others during the day.

And in the dark, his pain seems unbearable.

But I think his whining has a completely different reason.

His closed and introverted character does not allow him to tell me the truth.

On the other hand, I cannot allow a moral or even depressive mood to arise.

The mood could change and contaminate and endanger my men with this misery.

We were 42 at the beginning, now we are only nine.

The legend of the guerrillas grows inexorably like foam from the mouth.

We are thought to be superheroes who cannot be defeated.

I have to signal to my men that only

strength, morality, courage and faith count.

Tonight I reminded them that our guerrilla

unit would be founded in 34 days.

By that date, we must have reached a safe zone

and strengthened our troops at least three times.

I promised my men to celebrate our anniversary with the new comrades.

And that after the long and endless march a warm meal is waiting for them.

Everyone smiled and RUIZ happily fell asleep

It is October 4th.

This morning Billy found a mole.

He discovered a telephone line between the trees and undergrowth

Billy thinks we can get closer to a solid road.

He was right.

The telephone line is new.

Both the cable and the insulators are the kind used by the army.

We're sure it connects with some military installation not far from where we are

This morning I dismissed the Machitels.

I didn't trust them much.

We'll manage on our own now that the vegetation is much thinner than the

vicinity of the highway.

Our dwindling ammunition, food,

and medical supplies would call for a surprise raid.

I hesitate because we're so few.

But Vicente claims that no action at all is more demoralizing than even the

riskiest action.

So I've drawn up a plan of attack.

Vamos.

Salud.

Buenos dias amigos.

Buenos dias.

I'm sorry if I startled you.

Whose truck is parked there out front?

The padrones.

That is Señor Sios owns it.

I'm glad you're not a padron yourself.

Can you read?

No.

But surely Señor Sios is able to read.

He can also balance the books.

Here amigo.

It says here that the guerrillas in rebellion wish to thank the padron.

We're going to come into his truck.

And you or not at all to blame.

No gracias Señor.

Adios amigos.

What about the flour on the truck?

It is needed for bread.

Three sacks.

People in Moya, Goya, have paid for it.

Three sacks you said?

Yes.

We'll want only two then.

Vicente, pay him for four.

There.

Tomorrow you can buy some meat.

I know you don't often get meat.

But go on now.

Eat your soup and take your time.

You can take the money, that's a donation from the Bank of Bolivia.

Because they have enough of it.

Let's go.

Can't you wait till I'm finished?

Ah.

Okay, oh, yes, Sergeant.

Now find me a couple of bottles of beer.

Two beers, Sergeant.

Don't let the lieutenant see you.

You know the rule, muchacho.

Keep in front of your mule, keep in back of your gunners.

And keep out of the officer's sight.

How far is it?

About 20 miles.

Depriza, Willie.

All right.

Pepe and Vicente in the driver's seat.

Miranda 9 in the back.

Ramirez, Clemente, Acasio and the rest will follow us when they get the signal.

Say, what if they manage to alert their headquarters?

Well, that's a risk we've got to take.

Since yesterday,

their headquarters has been transferring from Laodias to Padilla.

I'm hoping in all that confusion that even if they get an alarm,

by the time they move we'll be gone.

I've got some.

Must be an officer.

Acting Commandant, Second Battalion.

This is who?

Ah, Lieutenant Simone.

Pay attention.

Ordinance Company C at Villa Granado has just reported their low on ammunition.

They need to be issued some more today.

Is that clear?

Yes, I'll do it at once.

Are they supplying the transport?

Or are you supplying a truck?

No, no.

I'll load it up.

But I need to supply withdrawal order for them.

You're right about that.

I'll send it to you properly signed.

But another thing.

At the moment where a bit short on transport I manage to commandeer a civilian

truck.

You will alert the sentries.

Bueno.

What'll I do with the line?

Leave it cut?

You're better.

You never can tell.

Is it your asthma again?

Yeah.

During the day it's all right.

At night it's a bother.

I'm almost 40% and for a guerillaero that's getting on.

You're in better shape than any of us.

Did you check the gas?

Yes, there's more than enough.

Careful!

Not so fast!

Stop, you fool!

Signal the others, Vicente.

Miranda, start loading.

All of you soldatos.

Come on!

Drop your gun.

Put up your hands.

Gather in the middle of the camp.

Everyone in the ammo shack.

Move.

Keep moving.

Go on, all of you.

Move on, I said.

What did they tell you?

That you were up here on vacation, volleyball, mountaineer and double rations?

Now that you've had your eyes opened, it's too late.

Get moving!

Get those crates in the truck.

Now, Pepe, Willie, this way.

Send them over here.

Teniente.

There's no sense resisting.

Grendese.

Come on, eh?

All I want is ammunition.

You're not going to get anything from me.

Come on, throw down your gun.

Come out.

No.

Trust me.

Surrender.

No.

Come on.

Don't be afraid, Solatitos.

I can imagine how your officers have described us to you.

And I'm sorry that stubborn fool there has forced me to live up to that

description.

You can put your hands down.

All of you.

Believe me, sometimes killing one officer means sparing many lives.

Come on.

Get busy and help my men.

Vicente.

Watch them.

Mamaros.

Come on.

Don't be afraid, Muchachos.

Dig a grave for the teniente.

And think while you're doing it, how much your lives really mean.

They're not meant to be wasted.

Hey, Muchachos.

They're wasting yours.

Playing soldier.

Go on.

Put your hands down.

And you.

Bienenqui.

What are you doing?

Are you playing soldier too?

Come here.

Put those gas cans on the truck.

Now get out of the way.

Well, that tastes good.

Good.

Yes, that's how the soldiers live.

-What's your name -Ernestine.

Ernestine.

The car is ready. Well that is good.

Then all the best. And eat as much as you can.

-Adios. -Adios.

Ready, Willy?

What?

Up in Vicente.

Pepe.

Here.

It's all yours.

Righty.

Get back there. Get away from the shack.

Make sure no one's around.

Get back.

Don't come any closer.

Ready, Pepe?

See you ready.

Let's go, Miranda.

Give our regards to headquarters.

Come on.

Force him on.

Cover him.

Let's go.

Without a fight,

you've handed those rebels a present of most of your ammunition.

And 400 hand grenades to the bargain.

You supplied them with weapons enough for at least a battalion.

That means there are two, three hundred men.

The sergeant only counted nine men, Major.

All confirm it's true.

Why are you thinking, Captain Pados, that these ignoramuses can count?

That one of these soldiers would even obey you in a proper action?

Look at them!

For months, I've been shouting myself hoarse for my rangers.

And they keep sending me raw recruits.

Tigeret, no thanks.

That's right.

I'd like to be able to give it up.

Pados.

I want these soldiers to be shown that recent drawing of El Che Guevara that we

had reproduced.

Study each man's reaction.

Turn on the pressure at the first sign of recognition, Clado.

C 'est seigneur.

You believe it, Stuart?

That Che, the greatest expert in Latin America today.

The revolution would operate from a public road between Valle Grande and Santa

Cruz,

in a zone where I'm able to concentrate sufficient forces to close a trap on

him.

It's too good to be true, isn't it, Major?

Do you mind if I interrogate those recruits?

Ah, no, amigo.

I'd be an interested observer of the CIA's technique.

Please.

Ah, Stuart, I beg you not to judge our forces on one unlucky episode.

We'll bring you this foreign rebel you want.

We'll break Guevara's propaganda.

You can count on it.

Sergeant, I want the ones who spoke with Guevara over there in a row.

The raid and its successful outcome have boosted everyone's strength and

morale.

It was a pretty good haul.

But we'll have to leave it in one of the usual caves,

so we can get away as fast as we can.

Tonight, we'll eat at the Army's expense.

And the truck?

At the first curve, shove it into the valley.

Oh, what a shame.

The motor's in good shape.

Anesto, 52 rifles.

When the new comrades reach us, they'll have enough weapons.

Yeah.

He also managed to find material.

What we need are more men to put it to use.

Time will solve that problem.

How many men have this, El Chino?

A lot, I'm sure.

The trouble is, the natives don't know Guevara's here.

And oddly, any of them even try to help us.

But you'll see.

As soon as they find out who the leader is, there'll be a lot more of them.

More than any cause, Latin Americans always want a popular leader, I think.

That's nonsense.

If I were to go, they'd be another.

Comrades may die, but cause continues.

That's what we have to get through, these people's heads.

Go on, cover those supplies.

They're leaving them here?

We've got to get away.

Later, we can pick them up.

On the march, I explained our gravest problems to the group.

The lack of any liaison between the guerrilla fighters and the party.

And the difficulty of recruiting new fighters.

It's a vicious circle.

To recruit followers,

we have to make our activity known in the more populated districts.

But to approach these, we need more men.

The news on the radio.

The North Americans say their military advisory mission is part of an old

agreement and has nothing to do with the guerrilla war.

Let's hope they didn't send any helicopters.

The helicopter is our most dangerous enemy because it can spot us when we cross

the river or move in the open.

Here they come, under the trees.

The helicopter is our most dangerous enemy because it can spot us when we cross

the river or move in the open.

Go back and dirty your own nest and that of your patron.

Let's go boys.

I sent Miranda Ramirez to meet the man we were told was coming from La Paz.

They've come back without seeing a sign of him.

So we're still without news or contact with the capital and the party.

Maybe he's been delayed, but it's too dangerous to wait for him here.

We should be able to count on the Vineros from Camiri.

I know those miners, Ernesto.

They don't trust anyone.

They're burnt out with silicosis.

And with Parientos, his machine guns aimed at the pits of the mines.

All the more reason?

I don't count on the shepherds and the shepherds.

What's the matter with you, Willie?

Cheer up.

What made you think of the miners?

They're the ones most prepared to fight.

Besides, they've rebelled several times before.

Listen, Ernesto, I don't want to sound discouraged, but...

What?

Remember, six months ago we were 43 and now we're only nine.

In Cuba, a few hours after we landed from the ship, out of 82 of us,

only six of us were alive.

Six, understand?

A few months later, there were a thousand,

and we were able to ship to the offensive.

I say our comrades in Valle Grande and La Paz ought to quit squabbling and send

us some men.

They'll do that soon.

Guerrilla action is like yeast to the party.

Look at our men, for example.

Maybe as Marxists, they're a bit lame, but as fighters, there are none better.

The time has passed when all it took was joining the party to feel like a

revolutionary.

I'm glad I lectured Willie like that.

Not so much for his sake, for even though he's the youngest,

he's the steadiest of them all.

But for some of the others who keep their thoughts to themselves,

the failure to meet the man from La Paz has discouraged everyone.

Have you seen this man?

Are you sure you haven't seen him?

What about you?

You.

Have you seen any stranger about?

Arguetas.

Sí capitan.

They want to stay out of it.

Tell me where you live at least.

Arguetas.

Well, any who do see outsiders, rebels, bandits, guerillas,

operating as a group or alone, must report it to the police.

Or look first for some military men and tell us where you saw the strangers.

Claro?

Where's Claro?

You can go.

There'll be flour and beer for everybody in your village if you give us news of

the guerillas.

So don't forget, there's also money.

Look at them,

we certainly didn't learn one thing at our training base in Panama.

The military way of forcing an Indian to stay abreast of the times.

If we could, do you think Bolivia would be like this capitan?

It's a pity.

But then Guevara can accomplish it either.

I'd like to see El Che trying to make a speech of those good comrades and the

fact they'd have on each other.

You'll never see it, Capitan.

I know I would learn a lot, because he's a real guerillaero.

Puma tres.

We are Puma tres, Sector One reporting.

I'm Captain Pados.

Puma tres, I hear you.

Begin search operation and combat formation, emergency, over and out.

Come on, let's go.

Right.

Cafe Miranda.

We're making headway muchachos.

In five days, over 100 kilometers.

El Agala is that mountain there.

That's where we're to meet El Chino and his comrades.

They should be there by now.

What day is it?

It's Thursday the 5th, and by Sunday, we'll have a lot more men,

at least I hope.

Are we near a village, Ernesto?

Yes, within 40 kilometers, more or less.

A place called La Gueres, on the other side of that mountain.

Finally.

I'm sick of this bush.

Ernesto, we'd better move on.

Wait till they've eaten.

Baby, don't miss a thing, especially in the valley.

Bueno.

Bueno.

Bueno.

It's a big trap.

What's the matter?

You look to me like a man who wants to pull out.

I was with Jay in Guatemalan Sierra Madre.

Right beside him.

In Cuba during the darkest days.

And then the day of triumph in Havana.

And now here in Bolivia.

And for me, Jay comes before Simon Bolivar.

Before Martin, yes.

Also before Christ.

I'll do anything for that man.

Whatever he thinks, whatever he says.

I'm with him.

But I don't like reporting.

I want paper to be destroyed.

But the revolution also needs comrades who can write.

A revolution for me is burning everything.

Orders.

Yeah, everything.

Cassie isn't exactly what you would call a real intellectual, right, Clément?

But I'm what's needed in a situation like this.

If they are caught, the brain spills things to the police.

Now take it easy, Clément.

I didn't mean you.

Who then?

That French newspaper reporter that the police arrested?

No, no.

He won't talk to the police.

He was just like us.

That is, he thinks like us.

So they jailed him.

But another in his place would have talked,

and by now our war would have ended.

And it's just to prevent that sort of ending.

I feel that he writes about it.

Mm -mm.

Say what you like.

But to me, that diary is dangerous.

I'm worried about the fate of the French correspondent who fell into the hands

of that dictator, Baryenta, and whose trial is still pending.

Vicente doesn't know that the Frenchman has already talked too much.

By confessing the international aim of the guerrilla action,

he put all Latin America in a state of alarm.

Our infiltration will meet greater obstacles now.

Ah!

Anda!

Aqui!

Iraqui!

Iraqui!

What are you looking for?

Hey, where are you going, Chica?

Come here.

Hold on, Nina.

Who are you spying on in these parts?

Now, you better tell me.

Let her go, Vicente.

Are you scared?

What are you doing here?

Speak up.

I won't eat you, don't be afraid, though it'd go to taste wonderful.

So you better be careful.

Now, what's your name?

Simona.

Ah, and I'm sure, Simona, someone has shown you my face in a picture.

Who am I?

Si.

Sarafael.

Huh?

Sarafael, but your picture is much more beautiful in our church.

And where is this church?

Across the mountain.

My father takes me there to Mass.

But I've also got a picture of you where I live.

And where is your house, Nina?

Up there, just before the valley.

Would you like to visit it?

I'd like very much to see this picture of me.

And could your father spare us a glass of milk?

Porque no.

Come on.

Vamos.

And the goat to capture it and bring it along.

The the the the the the the the the the the the the this is my father.

Salud.

I hope you don't object while bringing your daughter back so early in the day.

No need to worry Ernesto.

There's only one path and the valley looks clear.

Esta bien.

Gracias amigo.

We'll stop here.

Unload.

It's three now and my comrades need a good rest.

Could you give us all some milk?

Don't worry amigo.

We'll pay for it.

Also for your trouble.

Come in.

Don't you want to see him?

There's another fail.

I'd say that he has my beard.

But otherwise there isn't so much resemblance.

And to be honest with you we haven't much in common with saints.

Ernesto.

If Rachel price quite an amount.

Well now.

A reward of fifty million dollar pianos for delivering dead or alive preferably

alive.

That's good.

That way Liero and Esto Che Guevara whose activity threatens the secret of the

state.

Fifty million bully pianos.

But that's too much to offer for only one man's head.

Where did you get this lie?

Yes, but did you read it now?

Well now,

you know Yeah 50 million You know what a pile of gold 50 million it You know

What we came to do The rebel the rebel that's true at whose orders You're the

leader your elk Please offer something to drink to my company eros No sign of

El Chino in this man You His last message stipulated a deserted farmhouse on

the ridge as the best place for us to meet.

When the girl found us, I thought she'd been sent by El Chino.

Instead, no news.

We'll wait here.

With El Chino's men, they should be my old comrades, Pereda, Polo and Tuma.

They'll act like a tonic on our group.

They're here.

Did you see them?

Mm -hmm.

Only three soldiers.

We better not get any closer than this.

They'll probably hear us.

Chino, we're dropping with hunger.

Three days without a bite, and they've got canned goods.

We're at ammunition.

They'll murder us.

I've got a few rounds in my machine gun.

Surprises are only chance.

You two grab their rifles.

Vamos.

Get ready.

There are five headed this way.

Why not?

Wait for the signal.

Run!

It's a trap!

Come on!

That way!

Sergeant, over here!

Surrender, you.

Murder!

We'll be back in a few minutes.

We'll be back in a few minutes.

I'm sorry, but I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, but I'm sorry.

Are the others in yet?

No, not yet.

Bado's company got foreign ambush at the Pucará.

Can you?

Nothing.

The Colonel?

Inside, with a major and that North American agent.

They've been at it for over an hour.

Ah, you made it.

The Colonel's asked three times for you.

Where does he think he is?

Living at the Grand Hotel at La Paz?

For three months, you've been using my locanda as a garbage dump.

It's useless, I suppose.

I know she got me at your service.

Hey, you just keep your filthy paws off me.

Buenos?

Buenos.

Look, everything you ask for, frittatos, pollo, arroz,

and two bottles of chili and wine, I found you.

Brava.

Will that be all?

Will I see you later tonight?

Let the pursuit of the rebels occupy your time.

Ah, afraid of collaborating, are you?

Oh, she'd like to work with us.

Thank you.

There's no difference between the rebels and your army, Colonel.

As far as women are concerned, I find that you men all want the same.

She has quite a temperament.

Too much, I'd say.

A whisky steward?

No, thanks.

Cigarette?

No, thanks.

Our good steward is the perfect serviceman.

The CIA won't have to spend many dollars if they can cover the world with men

like that.

But for once, won't you come and have dinner with us?

No, thanks.

I'm Radio Panama.

We'll get those power plants if you want it.

Colonel, that reminds me.

I need six half -tracks for my battalion.

Okay.

I'll order them for you.

I think you imagine, steward, that we Bolivians, or some of us at least,

are actually grateful that she's in Bolivia.

And we hope nobody gets the man.

Otherwise, once he's liquidated, you'll go out of business and adios, dollars.

Uh -huh.

Apropos of that, steward.

They say that Che has spent the second of his nine lives.

He has seven left.

It's that seventh one we want.

They should be here now.

If they came through the forest, it would take them long.

How much time here?

We're waiting for El Chino and his men.

We'll go on when they get here.

Go where?

I don't know yet.

It depends.

If there's a lot of volunteers on the way, like they promised us,

we could strike back.

Yeah.

It's a van I'd like to see again.

And who wouldn't?

A bottle of rum at the Tropicana, a clean room, and a bed with a girl in it.

Hey, Ruiz, what are you reading that poster for?

Nothing.

I was just thinking for a 50 million reward.

It would betray him.

You can't be too sure.

All right.

That route would be a waste of time.

It must be coming this way.

Gomuya.

Yeah, of course El Aguilar.

And you, Miranda.

How about you?

What do you think?

A what?

Our new comrades in committee.

Vallegrande.

Why don't they move?

How the hell should I know?

I'm of Che's opinion.

It's the bullet in your gun that's your friend.

Why not try to contact the party?

Send someone to La Higeris.

Vallegrande.

I'd rather not depend on them.

But we can depend on El Chino and his men to give us some strong help.

It's only ten.

Nineteen with us.

But to Barriento's were a whole brigade.

A thousand at the least.

And the poster proves he's scared.

Desperate by now.

And the radio?

He orders them to announce that I'm dead.

We have accomplished something.

And to now?

Now all we have to do is feed that fear.

Day by day.

By every means.

Time.

Time is ours.

most valuable comrade what's a dictator's way to deal with those who oppose him

liquidate them all instead we are still here in the heart of his country and

we're alive but who will replace us will follow us if we're our kids don't be

afraid of that for a real revolutionary living isn't the final goal dying can

be a means to win what you want to beat them it's El Gino he's been wounded get

him inside where the others dead they were all killed what happened They jumped

us on the riverbank.

Yes.

They had a trap set for us.

Look Ernesto, we weren't having this kind of trouble before ever.

These troops were different.

Describe.

They were camouflaged like special forces.

They wore berets.

They were Indians too.

Rangers trained in Panama.

But why did you attack them?

We were dying from lack of food.

I had to attack them.

How many miles from here?

It occurred around 12 o 'clock if Emil was in preparation.

And since then, in the state they left El Chino,

I don't think they could have covered more than five miles.

That means the Rangers are right on our heels.

Someone will have to go to La Higuelas and tell Sebastian,

as the only contact we have is with La Paz.

This place will be completely surrounded soon by Rangers.

We'll need help.

You see, time in Bolivia is a traitor.

I'd go, but the Bolivian Police Department has my photograph.

You know, one time I went dressed as a seminarian to La Paz.

I was perfect.

It's impossible now.

Señor, it's not if I go to La Higuelas.

Besides, I know the way.

I'll bet you do.

But it's risky, Simona.

Why do you want to go?

Dammit.

Stop asking for reasons, as long as she befriends us.

Why do you want to do this for us?

Well, maybe I would like to do something for you.

Let's rest up until daybreak and then move out.

You,

El Chino and Clement should try to make your way across the frontier into Paraguay.

From there, take a message to Havana.

We others will try to break through to our people at Aguarague and plan a new

move.

If we run into any Rangers,

we'll have to try a ruse to confuse them and split their forces to relieve the

pressure.

And when you get to La Higuelas, give this to Dr.

Sebastian.

All right?

No one else but him.

Here you go.

Why can't you lay them out in the cemetery?

Nobody's offending you.

It's what the Colonel wants.

But why isn't my look under?

Now it's headquarters.

not your old combat.

Think about us.

You don't cover me and the nights are cold.

Who are they.

That he has three of Cubans who knows about the other man for a seat.

But you the fifty three of us Bolivians who've been killed up to now are worth

a prayer you'd like to think so.

Listen.

Better go find somewhere else to pour on the emotion.

The four places a day we draw us pay one of that.

Why don't you cry over us there's no hope of your burning your bridges behind

you because you're too weak minded to.

Three Cubans and one Bolivian.

Can you identify any.

This watch is but it is.

I've seen it before.

You mean the one with the scar on his head.

You got that scar on Doris.

Eight years ago.

He was with Che Escambre Cabana.

And the Congo.

They must have a record of everything in the CIA's information files.

Not so much.

But I do know one thing.

Well you find Pareda.

You'll find Che.

But that isn't any guarantee at all.

I will be successful.

That's the way it is.

Get the whole third group moving.

But I've deployed three companies of Rangers already and they know how to

fight.

And another two companies are converging on Santa Cruz.

If Che Guevara is in that zone he's yours.

Che's handbook of guerrilla warfare is only useful to revolutionaries.

I use it.

Some people can read here.

An attack of asthma woke me up in the middle of the night.

It was to be expected after such a cruel day.

And all it took me last evening to keep up the boys morale.

and overcome their discouragement I was found a period with him we lost a great

fighter but now few as we are we must act and act fast at any cost we're lost

if we bogged down in inertia and despair I heard voices it was the saint and

Willie where are they on the mountain wire ratio Ruiz ran away he had the first

turn at watch I came to relieve him and he was gone he sent Ian Willie'll catch

him all right he can't be far well why didn't you wake me how long ago an hour

no pain on earth could be as bad as what I suffer at this news and tomorrow

Casio there'll be a lot of bitter surprises waiting for us Keep a shop watch.

Yes, shoot.

El Chino and Clement will go with Simona as far as La Higuelas,

and from there head for Paraguay and Argentina where they can take a ship to

Cuba.

I'm confident, although a bit sad, at the separation.

Ruiz is gone forever.

Now we're only seven.

One hour to penetrate the zone.

Man reduced to one day's food and the ammunition tripled.

Side arms, machine guns, nothing else.

A fine comb search operation with the 3rd and 2nd platoons west of that ridge.

Call me if you spot anyone.

Claro.

Si, Senor.

It's a quarter past twelve,

so we should be in La Higuelas around eight o 'clock.

I was planning to rest up and pour out a champagne.

Yes, because you know, today is my birthday.

Then many happy returns of the day, Senor Capita.

When this story's ended,

the name of Jór Lócanda will make headlines in every country in the world.

Tell me, how about opening a hotel in La Paz?

First class.

Would you like that?

I hope he tricks you.

Ah, you're wild about Che like all the women are.

It's only natural with those eyes like a demon's, with that hair and beard,

and his beret.

Oh, I admit, he's handsome, all right.

And there's that legend around his name, a creation of fat -headed romantics.

How's one man able to scare you?

Why don't you kill him?

But consider the result of martyring him.

The people would like very much to be provided with a real hero.

Ah, Stuart.

What's new at CIA?

Operation Cynthia is underway.

The 4th and 8th Divisions are on the move.

Everything you ask for is on its way.

way here including a little extra yeah and all that to fight one person called

Guevara it'll make this country a laughing stock among the nations Chays one

person but he's a person who breeds rebellion Burn it down Yes captain get a

mooing I love that you took a path to Cassio.

I bet the last time he got his feet,

that was 12 years ago when we landed in Cuba.

Ah, but to tell a real guerrilla, your nose is enough, you know that.

Hold on, Peppier or the Colonel, sweep you away.

Look out for your rifles.

I'm going to address him.

He's got any soap.

My last piece got swiped by a monkey at Alto Seco.

Hey, Vicente Shipwreck.

Croucho, now all our cash is wet.

It's in my bag.

You can make tortillas with it for all that stuff worth.

I'm driving in the sun.

Cassio.

I'm coming.

Looks like we're going fishing today.

That's it, Miranda.

Wash some of that dandruff.

Just take care of the lice and yours.

You're liable to get wet.

Watch out, Ramirez.

Worse than toilet paper falls to pieces.

Say, Vicente, why don't you plant some of it, huh?

You see how fast things grow around here?

It's a long time since I've seen you laugh, Ernesto.

Well, it does you good every now and then, like fresh water.

It purges, disinfects.

Hey, ha -ha -ha!

Are you interested?

No.

Don't you act as though you're frightened?

Of what?

I want to find a doctor.

Are you the doctor?

Yes, that's right.

I have a letter here.

But just a minute.

Let's get inside my house.

Who sent you?

You sent you without a guide?

No, I had to with me in the forest of Phukera.

I'm their way to the frontier.

Come in.

It's better that we keep you out of sight.

Run for it, Chino.

Is there anything else?

When you have to go back to him?

Depends on you.

I'll wait till I can take him your answer.

Well, the bus we want leaves Valle Grande tomorrow.

You'll go along with me to Santa Cruz.

Are you tired?

But why all the way to Santa Cruz?

But how will he find you?

I have no other choice if I'm to do what he wants.

You just have to trust me.

It's difficult for Che to realize how divided our people are.

And it's always the same story.

They're bickering, they're stupid rivalries.

He's an Argentine, you see.

He doesn't know the mentality of the Indios like I do.

He's an idealist.

If he weren't, he would never have come to Bolivia.

Are you ready?

Is it far to where we get the bus?

About 30 miles, that's all.

Where you going?

To Valle Grande, to see a patient I have there.

Nah, no one's supposed to leave town.

There's a maneuver going on.

You can't leave because they've got roadblocks everywhere.

Besides, they might need a doctor here.

Yes, but now there's this patient that I must go to.

Yes.

When you're a sick man and must call a doctor in, the doctor can't fail.

You can let me through, can't you?

No doctor, I'm sorry.

I can't let you go without orders from my commander.

Go on.

Hold. Hold it, Pepe.

Wait a minute, hombre.

I won't shoot you.

You're lucky I'm a doctor.

Some bandages.

Let me see.

Here, Pepe.

Go on now, you can make it.

This is one time you'll live to tell.

Wait a second.

It's nothing to cry about there.

We never kill a man who can't fight.

It's a good rule.

Come on.

Let's go.

Come on.

Don't look so shocked, Pepe.

We fight our battles this way too.

Over and out.

Arguetas.

Sica vita.

A column of jeeps and half -tracks was just ambushed.

Orders her to search the entire zone.

That means us, so we're moving out.

Sergeant, we're moving out.

As for you, I want you to patrol every route and bypass in the area.

Don't lose any time.

Get moving.

Adelante.

Sir.

Look what I found.

Money.

Look for more.

Will you repeat that?

Any news of them?

I radioed a general alert to all units, sir.

Captain Potos and his men have been searching along the river.

You know there were only three survivors of the last attack.

A new group of reinforcements has been positioned here.

We recovered the bodies of two of their men killed by our aircraft.

Yes, it's just as I thought.

They're moving out along the Rio Grande.

The ranger group with Major Ayurroa is closing in.

And if it's Guevara, they'll capture him.

It's Jane.

Want a drink?

Vicente.

I bet you didn't sleep.

An airplane.

Woke me up a few hours back.

At midnight.

They're buzzing around us, huh?

I wish I knew where we are.

I'm just naturally curious.

What's the name of that stream down there, Ernesto?

The Rio Grande, it's called.

And the valley?

La Quebrada del loro.

That's my guess.

You Bolivians ever been in these parts?

No.

No.

No.

I've never been out of the mining country.

What time is it, Ernesto?

6 .30.

We're stopping too long, don't you think?

We better go.

Come on, Ramirez.

Baby, Acasio, let's move before a plane spots us.

I'd just like to meet one of the pilots of those damn planes.

I told you the day we got here what we could expect from them.

It's a price we all pay, Acasio.

To make others understand our struggle against those who oppress them,

we have to be prepared to die.

Yes, I know, Comandante.

But how many would cry at the news of my death?

Or of yours?

Not a one.

But a lot would be likely to sigh at it.

A big sigh of relief.

That's what gives me the most encouragement.

Yes, they certainly would.

And I don't know why, but I feel that some of my friends would do the same.

Because you're their conscience.

And everybody likes a quiet conscience.

Eh?

You too?

I'd do what you'd do.

Piena, Acasio.

I wouldn't ask how much the price is.

we pay is.

Maybe it's the highest.

It's worth it.

Vamos.

October 7th, 20 hours of forced march yesterday.

Today will be the same.

Our location is hard to determine, not a living soul to be seen.

And since last night, a phrase keeps running through my mind.

To persist in fighting a guerilla war without the support of the population is

to head straight toward disaster.

I wrote that phrase myself in my book on guerilla tactics.

And now it's hounding me step by step with the annoyance of a mosquito.

I'll see you soon.

This is our gate, give me the capitan.

They're here.

Que brada de luro.

Third and second platoon deployed together into canyon of Que brada de luro.

Alert all reconnaissance planes at once.

Block the entrances to the canyon.

I'll head upstream with the first platoon and form headquarters by radio of

this operation.

Over and out.

How's it going?

It's a month since I've slept in a bed of gators.

Well tonight I think I'll sleep in one.

Well, you think we'll finally be sent on leave?

We're gonna spend yours.

In Rome, Italy.

That's where I was raised.

My father was a cavalry officer there.

I'd like to see the place again.

Move them faster.

Si, señor.

Come on, close up.

Ow!

Ow!

I said this for a key Ramírez Ramírez Ramírez It's Youssou, Sandesto.

He's dead.

Come on.

Acasio, where are the others?

Somewhere behind us.

Stay down here.

We'll all be trapped.

We'll have to try to get up there, so we won't have them on our backs.

Watch it.

There's some above us.

Try it.

I can block the others.

Sure?

Not yet.

They got us covered.

Move, he's in there!

Castillo!

Here, Ernesto.

Here.

Turn behind us!

Put me down a moment.

We've got cover here.

It hurt bad.

Don't worry about it.

As soon as we catch our breath, I'll be able to walk.

Willy, go see if there's a path.

Workie, workie.

I'm going to kill you.

Hold it.

Antonio!

Serenja!

Serenja!

Arigatas!

See, got me done.

Go on with the search.

There may still be more of his men around here.

Come on, let's go.

Because you're Che Guevara, aren't you?

Senor Stewart, La Paz is on the line.

Stewart, Cynthia's finished.

Over.

Get it, get it, all the youngs, get it, all the youngs, get it.

You're gonna quit it, all the youngs.

I'm going to help.

After all, I owe it as a professional courtesy.

He's a doctor, too.

Today we conclude the eleventh month of war in Bolivia.

I'm going to call everyone together to mark the importance of the anniversary.

A day spent without surprises.

A spring day in the country.

Like most diaries, it's a waste of paper.

Che learned too late that my rangers are men of another kind than those

cowardly Cubans of Batistas.

Yes, but you owed all to Che, remember?

Don't forget the sort of army we had, Colonel.

Four thousand ignorant men, and badly paid.

Now you have thirty thousand men smarter than paint and able -bodied.

Right.

Thirty thousand men to capture one.

Señores, what do we do with El Che?

That's our first problem.

That's true.

That's very true.

Kebara doesn't compare with those prisoners taken who come under the

convention.

Nor is he someone you can bring to trial, so world opinion can appeal.

Doctor, where are you going?

No one can go in there.

See to my men for the moment.

Yes, sir.

Close that door.

An M1 rifle, but modified.

It's much lighter.

Just right for getting your warfare.

It's very skillful work, too, did you do it yourself?

Yes.

You're an Indian, am I right?

Yeah, I have.

Catch you.

But why was I taken here to be questioned, Aniente?

It makes me sad to see a school transformed into a prison.

There's one thing I must ask.

There's a pair of cufflinks in my sack.

Would you see that they're sent to my son?

Well, I'll ask the Colonel if he'll let me.

No.

No.

Don't ask anything.

Thanks all the same.

I did not order a helicopter from the base at Valley Grandi or anywhere else.

However...

I'm transporting my rangers first.

Without a specific command that I have not had yet,

you're not taking the prisoner any place.

But I thought the prisoner had first priority, sir.

My men have first priority, rebels last.

Doctor, transfer the wounded to the helicopter.

And you help them.

Fados, take care of them.

They've been on duty a month without let up.

We don't spare them, but we do show our concern when we can.

That's all, Major.

Typical of the airborne fighters flying in when you've bagged your catch.

A cheap maneuver to take Guevara off our hands and grab all the credit.

Outside.

Look here.

I don't believe there were only seven of you left.

Count the bodies then.

You might as well talk.

It's all over with.

Now, it's just starting.

Not at all.

The revolution is not my concern.

It's who backed you.

I understand.

Bueno.

So you can kill them.

Right?

Well, who in politics doesn't risk being killed?

Ministers, chiefs of state, leaders of revolutions?

We don't even have capital punishment.

You go free in all probability.

Although I mustn't promise you, maybe, maybe not.

It's possible though once you tell us the arrangement.

Oh, in the strictest confidence.

I mean, possibly you face a court -martial,

but with no punishment you understand.

And time will pass and you...

I'm not in the pay of your government.

I work for the revolution.

I will pay with my life and no one else's.

Garon.

An open trial.

In the midst of all the uproar the news of his capture is going to cause around

the world, why he'd be the butt of all kinds of political speculation.

No, no, no.

I beg you to reconsider.

Then let's delay the announcement.

Let the dust settle a bit until the situation has lost the heat of the moment.

And what about him?

He's safe and out of the way.

He can't harm us.

But it's the others who will harm us.

Yes, I can see it now.

Kyraids, petitions, demonstrations.

By the time the trial begins,

the accused will enter the court wearing a martyr's halo.

I agree.

Señores, the country is already disturbed enough.

If the legend of a martyr is added to the myth of a hero,

we'll be swamped with propaganda.

Then the only conclusion, absurd as it may be,

is that Che in captivity is more dangerous than at large.

So I suggest let's not allow the others to make propaganda.

Let's make it ourselves.

Let the government do it to its own advantage.

What do you mean?

An act that would have enormous effect on public opinion.

What?

Put him back in circulation.

I didn't say that.

This is going to provoke the army.

Think of the blood of our soldiers.

And besides,

there's a risk of being made ridiculous at the very moment that we...

Yes?

Ah, yes.

The line till I get us is out of order.

They're calling back from Baligandhi.

Have them hold the line.

Now hold the line.

Well, they're waiting for a decision.

Just a moment.

The dispatch said he was wounded, didn't it?

Yes.

He could even be seriously wounded.

Well, supposing it is serious.

Why not say critical?

I mean, all his companions died in the scare mission.

If you like, it's a natural death for a guerrilla fighter and he...

But he didn't die.

Why not?

Yes.

Right.

Why not?

Why not?

6 .30.

Yeah.

Batos is still gone.

Yeah.

I noticed, Major, when there's a crisis, telephone never works.

Well, your report was a bombshell that no one in La Paz expected.

Then to Veligrandium back in a cheap at night.

Huh.

You took plenty of time, eh?

I had to wait there to make the call.

I held the line for an hour.

What the hell do they want?

The official version of his death will be that he was killed with the others in

action.

Damn.

They passed him back to us.

But Che knew it better than you or me.

We removed him from the living the moment we captured him.

His face has to be intact, just like it is.

It's an order.

I've got to obey it.

But who will carry out the order?

You?

Major?

As long as my orders are military, I obey them.

So, authorize a firing squad.

I will command it.

Nah, it's too obvious.

Colonel, Sergeant Luren could be trusted, I think.

Well, call him in, Batos.

Let's be done with it.

Aim below his shoulders.

I'm ready.

Don't be afraid.

I'm ready.

I'm going to kill you.

Oh Oh Oh I Guess that wraps it up Well, let's be off Colonel doll,

excuse me major.

How did he die?

Loss of blood what they say that he the rest is history.

Wherever death surprises us we will welcome it.

Because whoever has ears can hear our screams.

And if you have hands, take up our weapons.

Until peace is on earth. And equality and freedom among the peoples of the world.